LOCAL STUDENT, SPRING: AFJROTC cohort earning pilot licenses at DSU
Cleveland, MS (06/10/2026) — Contact: Nathan Duff FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phone: (662) 846-4678
Email: nduff@deltastate.edu
AFJROTC cohort earning pilot licenses at DSU
CLEVELAND, Miss. - For the 6th consecutive year, Delta State University continues its role as a host institution for the United States Air Force Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (AFJROTC) Flight Academy summer program. This 8-week intensive program brings together cadets from across the country, immersing them in a comprehensive curriculum that culminates with the attainment of their private pilot license.
Marshall Tomlinson, Director of Flight Operations at Delta State, oversees the program with Aerial Applicator Program Coordinator Sheila Millican and Assistant Chief Flight Instructor Alexandra Ingold. Tomlinson expressed his satisfaction in the results of the program, saying, "We have had two years in a row of 100% of the cadets earning their private pilot license, and I expect that trend to continue. We got started last week with 12 cadets, and they are really showing their dedication and determination."
The stated objective of the academy is to inspire and encourage young individuals to pursue careers in aviation. In light of the ongoing shortage of pilots, the program plays a vital role in introducing young people to the aviation industry. DSU is one of twenty-four institutions nationwide selected to deliver this program to aspiring aviators this summer.
2026 AFJROTC Flight Academy Cadets:
Tyler Cognitore - Port Orange, Florida
Owen Chang - Colorado Springs, Colorado
Anthony Chavez-Ramirez - Jonesboro, Georgia
Kendyl Corper - St. Johns, Florida
Jonas Dillon-Sauer - Columbia, South Carolina
Logan Allen - Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Joshua Noecker - Spring, Texas
Forrest Blair - Bozeman, Montana
Kane Barnard - Woodstock, Georgia
Paige Edwards - Summerville, South Carolina
Jonah Marlow - Madison, Wisconsin
Julyssa Bautista Mejia - Tampa, Florida
For more information about aviation programs at Delta State University, visit deltastate.edu/business-aviation/commercial-aviation/.
Cutline: The 2026 cohort of aspiring pilots attending the AFJROTC Flight Academy at DSU this summer are (front row, from left) Tyler Cognitore, Owen Chang, Anthony Chavez-Ramirez, DSU Aerial Applicator Program Coordinator Sheila Millican, Kendyl Corper, Jonas Dillon-Sauer, (back row, from left) Logan Allen, Joshua Noecker, Forrest Blair, the DSU Fighting Okra, Kane Barnard, Paige Edwards, Jonah Marlow, Julyssa Bautista Mejia and JROTC Representative Dale Lightfoot.
###
About Delta State University: Delta State University is a four-year public institution whose nearly 2,800 students come from most U.S. states and more than 45 countries. Acknowledging its beginning as a teacher's college, the University sustains excellence in teacher education while continuing to expand offerings in traditional as well as unique fields of study. Programs such as those available through the Delta Music Institute, the Commercial Aviation Department, and the Center for Interdisciplinary Geospatial Information highlight the University's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the students it serves with world-leading, industry-acclaimed programs. Situated in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Delta State offers top-notch academic programs in business, arts, sciences, nursing, education, and more. DSU Athletics has won 15 national championships, 70 conference championships, and 37 regional titles.
Media Attachments
The 2026 cohort of aspiring pilots attending the AFJROTC Flight Academy at DSU this summer are (front row, from left) Tyler Cognitore, Owen Chang, Anthony Chavez-Ramirez, DSU Aerial Applicator Program Coordinator Sheila Millican, Kendyl Corper, Jonas Dillon-Sauer, (back row, from left) Logan Allen, Joshua Noecker, Forrest Blair, the DSU Fighting Okra, Kane Barnard, Paige Edwards, Jonah Marlow, Julyssa Bautista Mejia and JROTC Representative Dale Lightfoot.
Delta State University
Nathan Duff (662-846-4678)Share this Story
Recent News
- LOCAL STUDENT, TAMPA: AFJROTC cohort earning pilot licenses at DSU
- LOCAL STUDENT, MADISON: AFJROTC cohort earning pilot licenses at DSU
- LOCAL STUDENT, SUMMERVILLE: AFJROTC cohort earning pilot licenses at DSU
- LOCAL STUDENT, WOODSTOCK: AFJROTC cohort earning pilot licenses at DSU
- LOCAL STUDENT, BOZEMAN: AFJROTC cohort earning pilot licenses at DSU
- LOCAL STUDENT, WINSTON-SALEM: AFJROTC cohort earning pilot licenses at DSU
- LOCAL STUDENT, COLUMBIA: AFJROTC cohort earning pilot licenses at DSU
- LOCAL STUDENT, ST. JOHNS: AFJROTC cohort earning pilot licenses at DSU
- LOCAL STUDENT, JONESBORO: AFJROTC cohort earning pilot licenses at DSU
- LOCAL STUDENT, COLORADO SPRINGS: AFJROTC cohort earning pilot licenses at DSU